JEFFERSON CITY, MO, APRIL 26, 2019 – Young anglers will have opportunities to experience the fun of catching fish and will also have chances to learn about the outdoors at Bennett Spring State Park Kids Free Fishing Day from 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 p.m., Saturday, May 4.
Kids age 15 and under can pick up free trout tags at the park store on May 3 from 5 to 8 p.m., or at the registration tent across from the park store on the day of the event. A section of Zone 2 and Zone 3 at the park will be reserved for the youth anglers. Volunteers will be on hand to help. Kids are encouraged to bring their own fishing equipment. Parents are welcome to help kids, but adults are also asked to let children fish by themselves as much as possible. Only one pole may be used between the helper and the child. Adults are not allowed to fish in the designated kids’ fishing zone. Lunch will be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Educational events such as casting, and fly tying demonstrations will also take place from 9 a.m. to
2 p.m. Other nature-related activities and community partners will be present near Shelter B.
Throughout the year, monthly fly tying nights take place in the visitor room of the park’s hatchery. Fly tying nights are sponsored by the Friends of Bennett Spring. More information can be obtained by contacting them at 573-247-3082 or emailing FriendsofBennettSpring@gmail.com. Instruction on tying a basic fishing fly will be given. To provide supplies and support Kid's Free Fishing Day a $5 donation is suggested.
Everyone's first six flies are donated to The Mayfly Project, which mentors foster children through fly fishing. More information on this can be found at www.TheMayFlyProject.com. These activities allow those interested in tying flies the opportunity to hang out, tell stories and support good causes.
Kids Free Fishing day is sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the Bennett Spring Park Store. Volunteers are needed to help with this event. Individuals wishing to volunteer do not need to be experienced anglers. To help with Kids’ Fishing Day or for more information please call the Bennett Spring Hatchery at 417-532-4418.
Bennett Spring State Park is on 26250 Highway 64A in Lebanon. For more information about the event, call the nature center at 417-532-3925 or fish hatchery staff at 417-532-4418.
For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
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